Fog Affecting Lambert Flights on Busy Thanksgiving Travel Day

ST. LOUIS, MO (KTVI) – A thick blanket of fog kicked off one of the busiest travel days of the year at Lambert Airport.

At 4:30 Wednesday morning, there were two delays: one departure for Phoenix, Arizona and one arrival from Chicago, Illinois O`Hare International Airport. That was according to the big board at Lambert. In just 30 minutes, the delays started popping up on the board. So, travelers should check with their airline directly.

Check for Flight DelaysBefore Thursday morning`s fog, the only bad weather was in the Pacific Northwest. Travelers were driving through what looked like a cloud on the ground. A source with U.S. Airways acknowledged there were few delays in and out of Lambert – for the moment. They said, “The delays are coming.’

Traffic was expected to be up 8% for Thanksgiving 2012 over last year. Travelers should get to the airport at least 90 minutes before their flight leaves just to get through security.

‘People should be aware liquid restrictions are still in effect. You can’t take liquids and gels through the checkpoint in excess of 3.4 ounces,’ warned Lambert Airport director Rhonda Hamm-Neibruegge. ‘You can only have two carry-on bags per person. That’s exclusive of a purse or briefcase, so people just need to be mindful of the rules.’

That included leaving the Thanksgiving goodies to the family chefs at your destination. No pies, or stuffing, or cranberry sauce, and no wrapped Christmas presents.

The busiest travel times 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., around noon, and then 4 to 6:30 p.m. For now, you may want to give yourself a 30-minute head-start on your trip to the airport or train station. The safest commute this morning is a slow one.